Liberty Bowl: Iowa State (6-6) vs. Tulsa (10-3)

When: Dec. 31

Liberty Bowl: Iowa State's A.J. Klein has had four games in which he has amassed double-digit tackles. (AP Photo)

Where: Memphis

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

These two teams have already tussled once this season. In the season opener, Iowa State defeated Tulsa, 38-23. The Cyclones’ signature win came against TCU, when they snapped the Horned Frogs’ 12-game winning streak. The Cyclones have been sporadic this season, but holding Baylor to 21 points showcased their defensive capability. They’ll likely face Tulsa with a different quarterback than the first meeting, as freshman Sam Richardson took over late in the season. Tulsa won Conference USA with a 33-27 overtime victory against UCF. Quarterback Cody Green powers the Golden Hurricane offense that is 11th in the nation in rushing and that ran a whopping 69 plays in the win over UCF.

NFL prospect to watch: A.J. Klein, ILB, Iowa State. He’s is a gritty blue-collar tackler who has shown good range and playmaking skills for the Cyclones. That will appeal to several coaches as a late-round flyer.

SN’s pick: Iowa State. The Cyclones have seen the Tulsa offense week after week in the Big 12. One difference: Tulsa doesn’t have the same athletes as other Big 12 teams.

Instant replay: In 1969, Colorado’s Bob Anderson set a Liberty Bowl record with 254 rushing yards in a 47-33 win against Alabama. Teammate Jim Bratten added 111, giving the pair the NCAA bowl record for combined rushing yards by teammates. The mark has been topped just once since.